Iona in Mission is famous for its mission trips and the popular IIM T-shirts seen worn around campus. This year, they have decided to order these shirts from Alta Gracia, a factory that gives its workers fair wages and other benefits.

“When we give out the shirts to students, we can do an education piece on living wages, where our clothes come from and living justly,” said Stephen Hill, coordinator of Iona in Mission. “It’s a point of contact where we can [educate] on justice.”

Hill said that he learned about Alta Gracia throughout the Ignatian Solidarity Network’s Facebook page.

Hill found ISN through a post-trip immersion at a conference that discussed how to strengthen group experiences after they return.

Hill then saw a few news articles about Alta Gracia on ISN’s Facebook page.

According to its website, Alta Gracia pays its workers more than three times the minimum wage in the Dominican Republic. Along with this, the employees have a safe and healthy workplace and have the right to form unions.

“If we bought shirts that are made by people who are paid little or no money in sweatshops, is that what we should be doing?” Hill said. “We know that the workers are getting treated and paid fairly with Alta Gracia.”

Iona began ordering the shirts this year and has had success. The shirts have been worn while Gaels went on trips to places such as Peru.

“They are more expensive,” Hill said. “But that is the commitment Iona and Mission and I decided to make.”

Students who want to get involved with IIM can apply for their next mission trip to Camp Viva in Rhinebeck, N.Y.

According to the Iona in Mission website, Camp Viva provides a fun camp experience for families and children affected by HIV/AIDS.

The application deadline is yet to be announced. Prospective applicants can visit the Office of Mission and Ministry in the LaPenta Student Union or visit its page on the Iona website for more information.